What to Include in a Keeping in Touch Email

I was wondering on what to include in an email to keep in touch with employees in a bank that I interned at last summer.
Just some questions I had:
(1): What are the best keep-in-touch subject lines?
(2): How do I start the email? ex. "Hi, how is everything going on? I hope all is well, etc."
(3): What content should I add in the email?
(4*): How to passively ask if there is a spot for me to intern there again?

Thanks all! I really do appreciate all the responses! Have a good one!

Catching Up Email Contents

The contents of the email will vary based on your relationship with the professional. The email that you send to an alumni that you have been networking with will be different than the catching up email you would send to a professional that you've previously interned with.

If you have not previously worked with this individual, you should be sure to keep everything professional. If you are keeping in touch with an alumni or professional you've previously worked with you can send emails around major events at school. You can update them with your summer plans / what you did over the summer or major accomplishments you've had at school. You should be sure to also ask them how they are. If possible you can reference elements that you spoke about during a previous conversation - IE if they were about to take a vacation you could ask them about that vacation.

If it is someone that you interned with you can be a bit more informal - but always remember that its better to be more professional than less professional.

If you are trying to ask for another internship - you should tread cautiously. You can consider tacking on language to the end of your email such as:

I also just wanted to check in to see if the firm / group is looking to bring on an intern again this summer. I really enjoyed my experience last summer and would love to have the chance to intern with the team again. I look forward to hearing from you.

Example Check-In Email

Hi XYZ,

How are you? How was your trip to France?

I just wanted to drop you a note with an update on my school year thus far. After last summer, I started my junior year at XYZ University and continued my involvement with the XYZ Economic Society. I was also recently elected to the Executive Board of the Economics Society so I am excited to get started with that in the new year!

I also wanted to check in to see if the firm is looking for any interns for this summer? I really enjoyed working with the team last summer and would love to have the opportunity to work with the group again. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
Nicole

What to Title a Catching Up Email

Example subject lines:

"Rory Gilmore - Checking In"

If you send your catching up emails around the holidays you can send something like:
"Paris Geller | Happy Holidays"

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  1. I usually just write "Hi" but I am not sure if this will work for you since that was a very small company and the environment was pretty informal in general.

  2. Dear X, I hope all is well.

Then I ask about his kids, because he used to talk about them a lot and really liked it when others expressed interest in them as well.

  1. I usually write about something interesting I did and I know he likes (again IMO this depends on how informal the overall environment is in the company).

  2. I'd just write something along these lines: "I was wondering if there are any internship opportunities at the company at the moment."

 

Would you recommend doing so even if your interviewers were not from the same school? I would think the above advice is correct as either way they are an alumni and would be interested in helping out someone from their alma mater. Would the same apply to non-alumni? Thanks in advance.

 

Thank them, give them an update on the position you accepted, if you talked about something specific with them (a deal theyre doing, a sport/hobby you have in common, etc) bring it up (it may help them to remember you and create a bond, however weak it may be) and see if you can grab coffee/lunch/drink when you're at you internship this summer. Ask them for any advice on how to succeed in your internship if that's applicable. If you just talked with them on the phone you may not have a high success rate but it won't hurt. And that's how you build a network out of nothing.

 
Best Response

When I received my SA and FT offers, I emailed every contact I had, telling them about the offer and expressing my gratitude for their help.

Definitely don't hesitate to let them know you have the offer: always remember that networking is a two-person game. Story: after sending an email about my SA offer to a guy at an EB I had a call with in the summer of my sophomore year, he responded by asking some questions about a PE fund I interned at. We ended up talking over the phone about the PE fund and a few weeks later he ended up getting an offer as an associate there.

Short version: Nothing wrong with emailing contacts with your updates.

 

You call them once in a while. Don't keep sending emails. Most emails get lost in the shuffle. But like once a month give people a call. Or you can send an email with a link to an article they might like (to the one who talked about the economist) But you want them to know your personality. Esp in Goldman this is important.

 

Networking is so important. Here is a few idea to stay in contact with the team leader.

  • LinkedIn - Add your contact to your LinkedIn network. You can send the team leader a message saying how great it was to work with him/her and if you could add them to your network.

  • Send a holiday card just to stay in touch.

  • Notify them of your professional life events.

  • Share with them articles of interest.

 

You would be crazy to not keep as many contacts as possible. You never know when/ how they will be able to help you or the other way around possibly. I have found that in my experience (albeit very limited) that networking and personal contacts are tremendously important not only in finance but in life in general.

You could shoot them a quick e-mail to see how things are going. Then if they ask you what you are up to than tell them where you are summering and possibly ask them advice on how to be successful in the internship, etc.

I've found that talking with people in any industry is much easier/better received when you keep them talking about themselves and their experiences/advice. Old guys love to talk about themselves.

Hopefully this was helpful.

[quote=patternfinder]Of course, I would just buy in scales. [/quote] See my WSO Blog | my AMA
 

Im no expert like some of the ppl on here...

but personally I would just let them set the tone, if they volley emails back and forth and you guys keep in contact on a regular basis-- awesome. Otherwise just drop them an e-mail every 3 weeks or so, or maybe if you have a question that you feel would be appropriate to ask them.

One thing I try to do with networking is find something relevant and non-job related to talk about. I dunno how that would work in this case, but I've found it helpful. Talking about a sports team, or something specific they're interested in. That way if something happens in the news... you could drop them a quick email about so and so blowing out his knee, or ABC upsetting XYZ in the final four, or such and such legislation getting passed, and its not like you're a gnat that keeps emailing them just to 'touch base' with nothing to really talk about. Email them a link to an article about whatever it is you talked about, and maybe make a few comments. Atleast it'll be more congenial and establish some goodwill.

 

Seeing as how you've got until September or so to begin interviewing with these guys for full time, I'd say even every three weeks may be a little overkill. I mean, unless you really got along with these guys (and not to be harsh, but if you really did, why aren't you going there?), you might be viewed as a little too enthusiastic and your efforts a little too contrived. If you really got along with the analyst, feel free to start casual dialog as you see fit, but don't feel obligated to email the VP every three weeks.

 

Elan - thanks for the info, I was thinking along those lines

GameTheory - you right, I may be over enthusiastic about the connection (as I did not get an offer haha), and I definitley do no want to be "that guy" who just bugs them with pointless emails.

The analyst and I had a lot of common interests, so hopefully I can meet up with her over the summer. Thanks for the ideas.

 

Interested in this too. How often do you stay in touch with the team that you'll be working with and how do you stay in touch once you have the offer because you'll only start next year!?

S18H01D06
 

They will respect your persistence and thorough interest in their firm. A willingness to learn from your mistakes and correct them is also a positive attribute which I am sure that they appreciated. Continuing the relationship with them could never hurt you.

 
Seanc:
Yea send an email to them asking if they're still employed.

Bluntly put but I agree. If you're at a distressed bank you should probably should try to contact them to see how they are.

Banking > VC > Tech PE; PM me if you would like any advice I'm happy to help
 

Yeah definitely try to meet them up for coffee once or twice and shoot them e-mail's once in a while. That will definitely help your chances for full time employment. I did that last summer and I had interviews with BB's for SA coming from a non target. So it definitely helps to keep in touch with those guys! Take care.

 

You don't need the in-person meeting to make a connection. You don't need to be connected to them as you would your brother or good friend, only as a professional; a colleague - which essentially requires a catchup email every few months or so (a little less is fine as well). I would send a follow-up email to your contacts just to catch up. Send them a quick update about yourself, ask a few questions of them based on your last call/email, and then ask a follow-up question for advice to keep the connection going. This is all that this sort of a relationship needs considering you are both busy and aren't trying to connect on a personal level, only on a professional level - ideally to offer a bit of assistance to you as you go through the recruiting process soon. The relationship doesn't need to be terribly deep, just consistent so that you aren't forgotten (don't, however, read consistent and continuous - you don't want to be constantly emailing the person and coming off as really annoying - respect their time).

Let me know if you have any other questions and check out this article for a bit more on the topic: http://www.bankonbanking.com/2009/08/25/effectively-working-the-informa…

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Don't worry so much. I would talk to one of them from the group at least once a month. Just think of questions to ask that's a good way of getting to better know them,. Then theyll start calling you.

-- "Those who say don't know, and those who know don't say."
 

contact him enough to stay on his radar, short sweet messages with specific questions/comments. but do not annoy him or interfere in any way. it's mostly judgment, there is no 'formula'

If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
 

@WalMartShopper Thanks a lot!

About me: I am a rising senior in a non-target. I got a intern in a local boutique IB for this summer...but I really want to break into a BB after college.

I definitely agree with that I should not annoy him. He is super busy. But it turns out that I have run out of inspiration on this issue (maybe because I'm too nervous...). I totally have no idea what to write in email. Would you mind to give me some examples (or templates) of email and a appropriate time frame (one email per month? every 2 weeks? etc..)? Again, many thanks.

 

Thanks for the mention. In this case, I would slowly ramp up the contact through the recruitment period. As you begin working toward an actual interview begin reaching out to him and ask for a specific contact at his firm that might be able to help you land an interview, etc.

Ask him if he plans on visiting campus during homecoming in the fall. If yes, then make plans to meet with him during that visit.

Little things like that help you stand out.

"Everybody needs money. That's why they call it money." - Mickey Bergman - Heist (2001)
 
Nujabes:
Should I update them on my progress at school and how I've been utilizing their advice? Should I ask them more industry-related questions?

Yes, I've noticed staying in touch with contacts usually thrives when you are both keeping the other updated with any developments in school and work. Be sure to inform them of the things above BUT also be sure to continue asking them about their own careers and achievements. Not suggesting you have done so, but you have to make sure you don't utilize them as your personal career counselors. The networking should revolve around mutual interest in one another.

 

I would recommend staying away from industry-related/deal questions, but I would craft the follow-up email to touch on 3 things: a personal update or two, a question or 2 to them regarding how they've been/their group/etc to show your interest in the person, not just getting your resume passed along, and finally, a question on breaking in relating to your informational session held a little while ago. I would then thank them again for their time and all of their insight. Something along those lines should keep the lines of communication open, while keeping it brief and to the point. Check out this article for a bit more on the topic: http://www.bankonbanking.com/2009/08/25/effectively-working-the-informa…

IBanker www.BankonBanking.com [email protected] Articles, News, Advice and More Break Into Investment Banking

 

I too have been wondering the same. There are no burning inquiries I have right now, but I would like to keep in touch with my contacts and show that I'm actually interested and am not trying to just utilize them. But since I don't have a pressing issue I need advice on, and I don't want to bore them with industry questions and the sorts, I'm not sure where to go.

 

Thanks for the reply pinkclouds, you really think it would piss him off? Seemed like there was a positive relationship there, I don't think it would piss him off to send him one more email, just not sure how to do it "gracefully."

 

Just drop him a simple email and start a conversation.

For example, if his firm or division had something happen in this news, or if there is an interesting deal going down-- say something like this:

" Hello kljdsflks,

I hope all is well. I saw this in the news www.crazydealsonwallstreetOHYAYIREALLYWANTAJOB.com and wanted to hear your view on it/congratulate you on it.

-- here is where you weigh in and leave a short 1-2 setence paragraph on your view so that you don't seem like an idiot

have a great kwanza!

-dbid"

Don't overthink this.

 

You have to start to close if it is a job you are after. Maintaining relationships isn't difficult, but converting those relationships into jobs or deals requires that you ask. The email from @"ishouldbstudying" is good, but change it up a bit.

"I hope all is well with you. I saw this in the news recently and.....

I also wanted to ask if I could solicit your advice on the best way to get my foot in the door at your firm. I have attached my resume and would be grateful if you could give me some feedback."

Something like that. Obviously make the sentences your own. And to echo @"ishouldbstudying" Don't overthink it. Relationships aren't over thought...they are natural. Either you are naturally a good fit for them or not.

"Everybody needs money. That's why they call it money." - Mickey Bergman - Heist (2001)
 

Set up Google News Alerts for every single contact you have and their respective companies. Every time you get a ping on their company or name you have an excuse to email them. For example, I got an alert about a company exiting one of it its portfolio investments. I immediately sent over an email congratulating them on the exit, then asked how things were going, updated with my situation, etc. It looks really good, too, to send an email like that the day it breaks in the press, like you're really up to date and following them closely.

 

hey guys, thanks for the advice so far! i appreciate it. my biggest concern is whether or not he still remembers me. like i said, the last time i emailed him was just to say happy holidays, and he never replied back. so i'm not sure if i should keep emailing him...

 

Thank them for their advice, inform them where you will be going and such. I would send an email one or two times over the summer just to update the person on what you are doing. Try and get coffee or a drink if you are going to the same place

 

First, make sure you mention something that you discussed - a lot of these guys meet a million kids like you every recruiting season, so you need to find something to re-identify yourself. Then, just ask him if you could stay in touch if you have any subsequent questions. Mention that you're definitely interested in banking/S&T/whatever he does, and that should be fine.

Most importantly, keep this email under a paragraph - 3-4 sentences tops. He's a busy guy and he probably doesn't care that much; you're doing this not to forge a personal bond (too late for that if it's not there already), but to start a dialog. Verbal diarrhea isn't the way to do it.

 

I usually find something unusual we share in common in the first informational, i.e English soccer and will use that to keep a dialogue open every 7 weeks or so by sending an email regarding a news story or something. It makes the relationship more personal.

-------------------------------------------------------- "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcom
 

Busy people literally get 300-400 emails a day and sometimes see an email that takes time to reply to and then think they'll do it later. Then they forget. Give it time and email them and follow up with a 15 second voicemail "Hi x, just left you an email and wanted to check in ..." In my experience, the quick "dual hit" is 10x more personal and effective. Do not be afraid to use the phone.

################################################# I am the Man. I Have the Plan. Follow Me to the Promised Land.
 

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